Vietnam’s automotive giant just dropped a bombshell in India’s electric vehicle landscape! VinFast has quietly filed a patent for the Minio Green EV, positioning itself to challenge MG Comet’s dominance in the micro-EV segment. This isn’t just another electric car announcement—it’s a strategic masterstroke that could reshape India’s compact electric mobility future.
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The Compact Revolution: David Meets Goliath
The VinFast Minio Green brings serious competition to India’s emerging micro-EV segment. Measuring 3,090 mm in length, the Minio Green strategically positions itself slightly longer than the MG Comet that measures 2,974 mm in length. This 116mm advantage might seem minimal, but in the compact car world, every millimeter translates to precious interior space and practicality.
What makes this particularly exciting is VinFast’s timing. With MG Comet establishing the micro-EV category in India, VinFast’s entry validates the segment’s potential while promising enhanced competition that benefits consumers.
Design Philosophy: Function Meets Character
The Minio Green easily gets one’s attention with its compact, tall-boy profile, embodying the perfect blend of practicality and visual appeal. Key design highlights include a closed-off grille signaling its electric nature, semi-circular-style headlamps that create a friendly face, and a prominent bumper design that adds robustness to its compact frame.
The Vietnamese automaker hasn’t forgotten personalization either. A total of six colour options are on offer with Minio Green, ensuring buyers can express their individual style even in this practical package.
From a functionality perspective, the EV features a small bonnet, circular wheel arches, 13-inch wheels and traditional door handles—design elements that prioritize accessibility and maintenance simplicity over flashy aesthetics.
Interior: Minimalism with Purpose
Step inside, and you’ll discover that interiors are pretty basic, focused on roominess, comfort and practical applications. This isn’t about luxury—it’s about maximizing utility within compact dimensions.
The centerpiece is a digital driver display that also functions as an infotainment system, eliminating redundancy while keeping costs controlled. The grey interior theme with blue accents on the dash, door handles and upholstery creates a modern, tech-forward atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
Practical touches include a flat bottom 2-spoke steering wheel, 4-way adjustable driver’s seat, and day and night interior rearview mirror—proving that compact doesn’t mean compromising on essential comfort features.
Performance: Efficiency Over Excitement
The Minio Green’s powertrain reflects its practical mission. Equipped with a 14.7 kWh battery pack, the electric motor generates 20 kW (27 PS) and 65 Nm of peak torque. While these numbers won’t win drag races, they’re perfectly calibrated for urban mobility needs.
With power supplied to the rear axle (RWD) and driving modes of Eco and Normal, the Minio Green offers a top speed of 80 km/h—ideal for city commuting where traffic rarely permits higher speeds anyway.
The 170 km range (NEDC standards) positions it competitively against the MG Comet while supporting 12 kW charging for reasonable charging times.
Safety and Smart Features: No Compromises
VinFast hasn’t skimped on safety essentials. The safety kit includes driver airbag, ABS and traction control system—fundamental features that protect occupants despite the compact size.
Smart features include self-diagnosis and payment via QR code on mobile app, showcasing VinFast’s understanding of India’s digital-first consumer preferences.
The Manufacturing Advantage: Local Production Power
Here’s where VinFast’s strategy gets brilliant. The company has established a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu with initial production capacity of 50,000 units per annum, scalable to 1.5 lakh units annually based on demand.
This local manufacturing approach promises competitive pricing—potentially VinFast’s biggest weapon against established competitors. With an investment of around Rs 16,000 crore planned in phases, VinFast is clearly committed to long-term success in India.
Market Impact: Competition Heats Up
The Minio Green’s arrival signals intensifying competition in India’s micro-EV segment. While MG Comet pioneered the category, VinFast’s entry with local manufacturing capabilities could force pricing pressures that benefit consumers.
Moreover, with plans to use the Tamil Nadu facility for exports to South East Asia, Africa and the Middle East, India becomes VinFast’s global hub—a vote of confidence in the country’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The patent filing suggests VinFast is serious about rapid market entry, following their recent VF 6 and VF 7 SUV launches. India’s electric future just got more exciting!
